BRISTOL City manager Gary Johnson is confident the arrival of Socceroos midfielder Nick Carle will increase the Robins' chance of winning promotion to the English Premier League next season. Johnson yesterday confirmed he had signed the former Newcastle Jets playmaker and reigning A-League player of the year. Carle is currently at Turkish club Genclerbirligi, who have agreed to a $1.3 million transfer deal to trade the 26-year-old to Bristol, and is only awaiting visa approval to join the English second-tier club. "Nick is busy trying to arrange a visa, but he doesn't foresee any problems in that respect," Johnson said. "He will add quality to our squad and give me extra options because he can play anywhere across the midfield and also up front. "We are delighted to now be one of three clubs vying for top position in the Championship, but that won't stop me trying to bring in some new faces. "We know what we want and what is out there, but I can't be firm on any deals as yet." Bristol City beat Coventry 2-1 on New Year's Day to move to 47 points and a three-way tie alongside West Bromich and Watford at the top of the table. Bristol City are third on goal difference. Johnson approached Genclerbirligi after Carle's eye-catching performance for the Socceroos in the 1-0 win over Nigeria in London on November 17. Carle had started in every game for Genclerbirligi in the lead-up to the Nigeria match, but has since made only two appearances off the bench. He and his young family, wife Melissa and 15-month-old son Jordan, have struggled to settle in Turkey and he told the club he was keen to move in the January transfer window. with wire services

Carle in nick of time for Bristol

BRISTOL City manager Gary Johnson is confident the arrival of Socceroos midfielder Nick Carle will increase the Robins' chance of winning promotion to the English Premier League next season.

Johnson yesterday confirmed he had signed the former Newcastle Jets playmaker and reigning A-League player of the year.

Carle is currently at Turkish club Genclerbirligi, who have agreed to a $1.3 million transfer deal to trade the 26-year-old to Bristol, and is only awaiting visa approval to join the English second-tier club.

"Nick is busy trying to arrange a visa, but he doesn't foresee any problems in that respect," Johnson said.

"He will add quality to our squad and give me extra options because he can play anywhere across the midfield and also up front.

"We are delighted to now be one of three clubs vying for top position in the Championship, but that won't stop me trying to bring in some new faces.

"We know what we want and what is out there, but I can't be firm on any deals as yet."

Bristol City beat Coventry 2-1 on New Year's Day to move to 47 points and a three-way tie alongside West Bromich and Watford at the top of the table. Bristol City are third on goal difference.

Johnson approached Genclerbirligi after Carle's eye-catching performance for the Socceroos in the 1-0 win over Nigeria in London on November 17.

Carle had started in every game for Genclerbirligi in the lead-up to the Nigeria match, but has since made only two appearances off the bench.

He and his young family, wife Melissa and 15-month-old son Jordan, have struggled to settle in Turkey and he told the club he was keen to move in the January transfer window. with wire services